Southern Living came up with its 2017 South's Best winners, announced today, from more than 22,000 online votes from readers judging the best of the south in 13 categories. (Rothko Chapel came in at No. 10 in the South's Best Museums category).

The house that "Mama" Ninfa Laurenzo built – a tiny restaurant she opened in 1973 after her husband died – grew to become a Tex-Mex powerhouse fueled by tacos al carbon. Mama Ninfa is credited with popularizing fajitas. Her story and the restaurant empires that resulted are well known to Houstonians.

Ninfa's on Navigation is in good company in list of the south's favorite restaurants, which includes Commander's Palace in New Orleans (Louisiana's favorite); The City Grocery in Oxford, Miss.; Husk in Charleston, SC; and Old Ebbitt Grill in Washington, DC.

The Original Ninfa's on Navigation is mentioned in places to visit in "100 Things To Do in Houston Before You Die," published by A.J. Mistretta, of Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2015, in Houston, Texas. Mistretta is the senior public relations manager for the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau. ( Gary Coronado / Houston Chronicle ) less

The Original Ninfa's on Navigation is mentioned in places to visit in "100 Things To Do in Houston Before You Die," published by A.J. Mistretta, of Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2015, in Houston, Texas. Mistretta ... more

Photo: Gary Coronado, Staff

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The Original Ninfa's on Navigation was named best restaurant in Texas in Southern Living's 2017 list of Best Restaurants in the South.

The Original Ninfa's on Navigation was named best restaurant in Texas in Southern Living's 2017 list of Best Restaurants in the South.

Photo: Gary Coronado, Staff

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Marinated and grilled beef skirt steak fajitas at Ninfa's on Navigation which was named best restaurant in Texas in Southern Living's 2017 list of Best Restaurants in the South.

Marinated and grilled beef skirt steak fajitas at Ninfa's on Navigation which was named best restaurant in Texas in Southern Living's 2017 list of Best Restaurants in the South.

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Staff

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The Original Ninfa's on Navigation was named best restaurant in Texas in Southern Living's 2017 list of Best Restaurants in the South.

The Original Ninfa's on Navigation was named best restaurant in Texas in Southern Living's 2017 list of Best Restaurants in the South.

Photo: Yelp/Linda N.

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The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation was named best restaurant in Texas in Southern Living's 2017 list of Best Restaurants in the South.

The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation was named best restaurant in Texas in Southern Living's 2017 list of Best Restaurants in the South.

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"Mi casa es su casa," Ninfa Laurenzo would say as she greeted customers as matriarch of the Laurenzo restaurant family. She was affectionately known as "Mama Ninfa" to those who dined on her Tex-Mex cuisine.

"Mi casa es su casa," Ninfa Laurenzo would say as she greeted customers as matriarch of the Laurenzo restaurant family. She was affectionately known as "Mama Ninfa" to those who dined on her Tex-Mex cuisine.

Empanadas de pibil (slow-cooked pork shoulder) at Ninfa's on Navigation.

Empanadas de pibil (slow-cooked pork shoulder) at Ninfa's on Navigation.

Photo: Eric Hester

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Bartenders behind the bar in the new enclosed patio at Ninfa's on Navigation.

Bartenders behind the bar in the new enclosed patio at Ninfa's on Navigation.

Photo: Gary Fountain, Freelance

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The makings of queso flameado, the lesser-known Mexican food appetizer, at Ninfa's. It's a healthy portion of white cheese mixed with either spicy chorizo or sauteed vegetables such as onion, bell peppers and mushrooms. less

The makings of queso flameado, the lesser-known Mexican food appetizer, at Ninfa's. It's a healthy portion of white cheese mixed with either spicy chorizo or sauteed vegetables such as onion, bell peppers and ... more

Photo: John Everett, Houston Chronicle

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A Zandunga at Ninfa's on Navigation.

A Zandunga at Ninfa's on Navigation.

Photo: Gary Fountain, Freelance

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Crispy taquitos (made with pulled brisket), an item on the new bar menu at the new patio bar at Ninfa's on Navigation.

Crispy taquitos (made with pulled brisket), an item on the new bar menu at the new patio bar at Ninfa's on Navigation.

Photo: Eric Hester

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Chicken wings diablo at Ninfa's on Navigation.

Chicken wings diablo at Ninfa's on Navigation.

Photo: Eric Hester

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Salsa accompanied with tortilla chips at the original Ninfa's on Navigation.

Salsa accompanied with tortilla chips at the original Ninfa's on Navigation.

Photo: Mayra Beltran, Houston Chronicle

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Mama Ninfa Laurenzo

Mama Ninfa Laurenzo

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Phyllis Mandola stands near the photo of her mother at the original Ninfa's on Navigation. Mama, as she was called, would have turned 90 on May 11 -- Mother's Day.